Yummr

MerMango's Munchies

Hello foodies! In my blog, expect a lot of entries about popular topics that relate to healthy living, controversial topics and the athletically nutritious lifestyle. I am a strong believer that if you eat good foods, you'll feel great and live life with more energy and optimism. Tune in and don't be afraid to leave your feedback. I welcome all comments and questions. Cheers! -MM

Tasty and Healthy Game Day Treats

Football and food are two of my favorite things. Having food while WATCHING football? Now that is pure euphoria for me!

On Saturdays and Sunday afternoons, I like to relax on the couch to watch my favorite college and pro teams. Mind you, in between breaths of yelling at the refs, I like to pop in a few of my favorite snacks. Even though I like to spoil myself and dive into the spinach dip and taco dip (YUM!), I try my hardest to keep my football snacks as healthy as I can. When I host a little get together I try to offer more healthy than junky snacks just so no one overindulges and gets one of those "junk-food hangovers" (you know they happen!)

For your next game-day-get-together, I've listed a few healthy snacks that are quick and are bound to be crowd-pleasers. ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?

• Fruit-kabobs

Pick four fresh fruits of your choice (or just get a container of mixed fruit) and place the chunks on a shishkabob stick. Sprinkle a pinch of Splenda sweetener to sweeten things up a bit.

Try this: Have a George Foreman grill? Heat it up and place the fruit-kabobs on the grill and let them sit there for 5 minutes. Grilled fruit tastes delicious!

• Veggie Tray

One of the most easiest and popular snacks. Instead of getting typical already-packaged veggie dip, grab a bottle of low-fat salad dressing.

• Mix-your-own trail-mix

Pick up ingredients like almonds (one of the healthiest nuts packed with protein), any dried fruit (fiber), small chunks of special dark chocolate (anti-oxidants), throw them in a bowl, toss and serve.

• Baked Tostitos and Salsa

Pretty self-explanatory. ;)

• Peach Berries (my FAVORITE)

Cut a peach in half and hollow both sides out, but leave some of the flesh. Then add a few blueberries and either drizzle on top of it or some light cool-whip. It's fabulous!

• Pomegranate Fizzer (can be alcoholic or virgin)

Pomegranate juice is LOADED with anti-oxidants and very good for you. To make a pomegranate fizzer, you need pomegranate juice, orange juice, Sprite Zero, an orange slice and Bacardi Rum if you want it to be alcoholic. Take one shot of rum and fill the mixer with half pomegranate juice and the other half with orange juice and Sprite Zero. Shake and serve over ice, garnishing with a fresh orange slice.

Those are some of my favorites and now I want to know what YOUR healthy game day favorites are. Anything goes!

Cheers!

Posted Sep 26, 2008 by MerMango | 1 Comment | Share It

Filed under: Day foods Game

Fall Foods

It's that time of year again. The grill on the deck gets covered, the hamburgers and hot dogs go in the freezer, and that old pasta salad finally gets thrown away. Out with the summer foods, and in with the fall!

What are the first things that come to your mind when you think fall foods? I used to work on a farm which means the first things that come to my mind are pumpkins, fall apples, hearty vegetables and fall raspberries (very sweet). Autumn foods are all about warming your body and warming your soul because winter and the holiday season are just around the corner. Since today, September 22nd, is the first day of fall, I've come up with a few tasty ideas to serve at your next Harvest Party or your October-Fest.

Dinner

1. Hot vegetable soup with a crackers and a side of Parmesan pasta
   
2. Cream of broccoli soup with a multi-grain baquette
3. Rosemary chicken served with steamed fall squash and roasted cinnamon apples
4. Turkey breast in a cranberry sauce and cranberry juice marinade with glazed carrots and pineapple casserole

Snacks

1. Pumpkin spiced muffins
2. Cranberry relish with orange pieces and orange juice
3. Warm roasted Fuji apples (heated caramel optional)
4. Cranberry-orange sugar cookies

Beer (Dark ales, hops) and other beverages

1. Sam Adams' Oktoberfest
   
2. Blue Moon's Harvest Moon
3. Brooklyn's Post Road Pumpkin Ale
4. Apple cider with cinnamon
5. Hot red tea with cinnamon and an apple slice
6. Mulled wine with oranges, cinnamon and apple slices
   

 

The key with autumn foods and treats is keeping the flavor rich. Fall is all about comfort so make your fav food a cozy treat!

Cheers!

-MM

 

 

 

 

 

Posted Sep 22, 2008 by MerMango | Add a comment | Share It

Filed under: Fall foods

Pasta Parties

Pasta, fellow teammates and a good carb-packed meal. What could be better pre-competition event?

Pasta parties are one of the most popular gatherings to have before a sporting event, whether your child is on a U-9 soccer traveling team or you're a Division One athlete preparing for Regional Championships. These dinners are commonly held one or two days before a competitive event and usually include the whole team. Each teammate usually brings a side item, a salad, bread, or a dessert to help contribute to the meal. The host of the party usually prepares the main course, which is of course, pasta.

Many different types of pasta can be served, but in most cases, pastas with red sauce are served since white sauce is usually filled with more saturated fats. Spaghetti, stuffed shells and baked ziti are three popular choices.

One main reason why athletes love having pasta parties a few day before a competition is because of the good source of carbohydrates that pasta provides. Carbohydrates are sugars and starches that are broken down by our bodies into glucose, which is used by our muscles for energy (http://www.fitness.gov). Carbs give athletes energy and strength to help them perform at their best.

Having pasta one or two days before competition is important, but what you eat an hour before competition is just as important. Check out my next entry for exercise and stomach-friendly foods to eat before you hit the gym or before you play in your next game.

Cheers!

-MM

Posted Sep 17, 2008 by MerMango | Add a comment | Share It

Filed under: pasta

View Archives | Subscribe to RSS